Daniel Lavergne was the eldest son and third child born to the union of Adam and Ida (Nero) LaVergne in Church Point Louisiana. He went to the elementary school of our Lady of Mercy Catholic then to Guillory school. He left after the third grade to help with the work on the farm and to help look after his siblings. The family moved four times, finally settling in Plaisance, Louisiana. Life was not easy but there was lots of love and fun times of family gatherings. Daniel shared stories of his upbringing with his children. He mentioned a time of sweet potato harvesting where they made a plentiful crop. Also, a time where he drove his father's brand-new truck with friends in tow, going around large curbs and flipping it over. He never mentioned if he got into trouble. Maybe that's why he was such an understanding dad. Daniel had an impeccable memory. He knew how to get to many relatives down east, and he knew Houston like the back of his hand and could tell you how to get to many locations of points unknown in many of his travels. His grandmother only spoke French which he learned from her, and would speak it to his children. His daughter Anne would ask him what it meant. It was called the creole language, and many of the words would make his daughter laugh.

Once becoming a young man there was one young lady who caught his eye! A one miss Teresa A. Thierry. She was the light and love of his life. After living with her aunt and uncle in Austin TX she moved back to Opelousas to her parent's farm. After a long courtship they were married on May 5, 1956. They moved to Houston, living with a cousin named Orelia. He worked as a waiter and then later worked at the Budweiser brewery. The couple eventually moved to Lake Charles where they began to build a life moving from Jake Street to Duchess in Mossville (called Queens borough) where they bought a lovely home. He did many odd jobs. Teresa was doing domestic house work when her boss named Mr. Moss inquired about her husband, whom he took under his wings and taught him a trade. He became a bricklayer, putting in many man holes for the city of Lake Charles, Sulphur, Vinton and Jennings with the help of his wife and kids. He tried to incorporate his grandson Danny to teach him the trade.

He also worked many construction jobs at various plants. Always moving upward, he learned the skill of operating heavy equipment through a labor local 406. He operated cherry pickers, cranes, track hoe diggers, and back hoes. Through his hard labor he was able to purchase his own back hoe and became owner of Lavergne's Heavy Equipment Trash Hauling and Tree Removal. He had his own dump truck and trailer. Working projects with Samuel Pappion, Albert Joseph and Mr. Gean Fontenot. He paved many driveways. He also worked at the salt dome in Vinton, Riverbend GSU burying hazardous chemical waste. (which is most likely where he was exposed, giving him CML Leukemia). Through his hard work this allowed he and his family to take many trips across the country, visiting DC, New York, Niagara Falls even Canada, like his mother who loved to travel. Through his perseverance and work ethics they were able to move to Lake Charles and purchase almost an acre of land to build to a lovely home which had one of the most picturesque yards around. Devoted Catholics they were involved in the church. Daniel was an usher.

Daniel also did the ground work for the church to put in a parking lot, at his own expense. Involved in the community he became good friends with Mr. Diaz director of the Reynaud YMCA. When they decided to expand and build a swimming pool, Mr. Lavergne dug it free of charge. He was on the PTA at his daughters' school. Even though he worked long hours and weekends, he managed to attend his children's school events and activities. Mr. Lavergne was one of the first black operators through local 406 also worked through Labor 207. Though times were not always easy he stood by his wife and family, a rare occurrence. He raised his grandson at the age of 55, they call him Danny. He loved him very much. His grandson Kenneth along with his sister came to stay to complete their education. It was very important for him to attend Kenneth's track and field meets and Danny's band rehearsals. He also was key in hauling the band equipment. At one-point Danny's family came to live in the home. Daniel and Teresa enjoyed having their great grandchildren around. Being able to help bring up the 4th generation of Lavergne's. During his life Mr. Lavergne met and made many lifelong friends. He liked to socialize at the Doll House, Jones and Fontenot's. He loved Zydeco music and could cut the rug. He would go for coffee every morning at the Exxon station. He loved dried shrimp, Chinese food and cracklings. At one-point Daniel and Theresa offered their home to his parents to stay, moving them closer to be cared for. He traveled many times to Austin TX, to take Theresa to visit her aunt and uncle and to Opelousas to her parents' home offering to help with whatever they needed.

In 2013 Daniel lost the love of his life and spouse of 57 years. Theresa's passing greatly affected Daniel. He managed to make the best of his life concerned about his children and grandchildren. He was always offering to help those in need and not asking for anything in return. He had the beginnings of dementia but still managed to get around very well by himself. Then was diagnosed with myeloid Leukemia in August of 2018. He was in good health by November, gradually losing his appetite but always having a sense of humor. He enjoyed looking after his yard, sitting in his favorite chair outside when the weather permitted, petting his dog TUT and grateful for having his daughter to look after him. Even though not feeling well and having a bad cough himself he was more concerned with his daughters coughing. Asking her if he could get her anything for it or bring her to the doctor. He had a saying "No one comes here forever; we all have to leave it's the good lords work". He loved his siblings and relatives, his children grand and great grandchildren, in laws and especially loved to joke with his daughter-in-law Le'Kisha. He is loved by many and will be truly missed by all.

Daniel is survived by his devoted daughter Anne Marie Lavergne, devoted son Daniel Timothy Lavergne Sr. (spouse LeKisha Lavergne of Atlanta GA), adopted daughter Judy Henderson. Grand children Daniel Timothy Lavergne Jr. (Danny), Former Sgt. Kenneth Dwayne Lavergne of the Marine Corps (spouse Lisa Leilani of Seattle WA), Aaron and Rachnee Ware, Samuel, DaMonique, MerCedez and Alexis, Great Grandchildren; Maleek My'Kel Adam, Larry Preston, Ma'Kayla Theresa Anne, Daniel Timothy III, (mother is Keisha Thomas) Aniyah Renee Antoinette Lavergne (mother is Kethura Sadler). Siblings include two brothers, Retired Judge Luke A. Lavergne of B.R., Magdon and Orelia Lavergne of Lake Charles, LA, five sisters, Ms. Maeola F. Lavergne of Maryland, Ms. Delores Hawkins Lavergne of Lake Charles, Mrs. Maryann Lastrapes of Lake Charles, LA, Ms. Elizabeth E. Lavergne of Pinket Phd. of Lafayette, Mrs. Margaret DeClouette of Lake Charles, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents Adam and Ida Lavergne, sisters Fannie and Glora May D. Lavergne.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., at King's Funeral Home and funeral service at 11:15 at St. Henry Catholic Church.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com